Support the Methow Headwaters’ 20-Year Mineral Withdrawal

Efforts to protect the Methow Headwaters from industrial-scale mining claims are at a critical stage: The BLM has reopened its public comment period and wants to hear from you. Please join us in asking the agency to move forward with a 20-year mineral withdrawal to protect this one-of-a-kind area.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently accepting comments on a 20-year mineral withdrawal to protect the Methow Headwaters from industrial-scale mining threats. This comment period marks another major milestone in our efforts to safeguard this stunning area, home to some of the nation's best hiking, skiing, climbing, and mountain biking.

As you may recall, the mineral withdrawal process is jointly managed by the Forest Service and the BLM. Recently, the Forest Service announced their official support for the withdrawal. In light of the Forest Service’s announcement, the BLM is reopening its public comment period. The agency is also holding a public meeting at 6pm on November 13, 2018, at the Red Barn (51 North Highway 20) in Winthrop, Washington.

If you’ve commented at previous stages of the process, your voice is still needed. In fact, personalized comments on why the Methow is important to you are critical right now – please help encourage the BLM to move forward with a 20-year mineral withdrawal.

How to Write Your Comments

The agency has shared that form comments are not helpful at this stage. In fact, thousands of the same comment could be counted as one letter. What DOES make an impact are personal comments. Share your experiences illustrating why this place should be protected. Do you take family trips there to cross-country ski, mountain bike, or hike? Did you get married there? Do you go climbing there? Camping? Can you think of a time you saw a bald eagle while out on these public lands?

You can use our easy-letter writing tool below to encourage the BLM to approve a 20-year mineral withdrawal to protect the Methow from industrial-scale mining. The deadline is November 13!

The Big Picture

Over the past few years, you’ve heard a lot from us about the Methow Headwaters. Here’s a recap of the different (but parallel) processes we’re engaged on:

BUILD BROAD SUPPORT - SUCCESS!

Thousands have come together on this issue. From attending meetings to signing the support petition, and our voices are being heard.

SECURE A 2-YEAR MINERAL WITHDRAWAL - SUCCESS!

Land managers issued a two-year “time out” on mining, while they consider longer term protections. This was a really important step - thanks to those who took action.

SECURE A 20-YEAR MINERAL WITHDRAWAL – IN PROGRESS

Thousands of you submitted comments encouraging our land managers to move forward with a 20-year mineral withdrawal - thank you! Currently, the BLM has reopened the public comment period in order to gather more information. There will also be a public meeting held at 6pm on November 13, 2018, at the Red Barn (51 North Highway 20) in Winthrop, Washington. Please join us in asking the BLM to move forward with the mineral withdrawal.

PERMANENTLY PROTECT THE METHOW VALLEY - IN PROGRESS

Senators Cantwell and Murray introduced and continue advocate for legislation to permanently safeguard the Methow Valley from mining. We appreciate both Washington senators for their leadership!